Foundation garments



I United States Patent [1113,542,034

[72] Inventor Anne Klein 1,851,730 3/1932 Rutherford 24/201 166 E. 65thSt., New York, New York 2,074,035 3/1937 Ward 24/201 10021 2,260,77810/1941 Hodge..... 24/201 [21] Appl. No. 641,620 2,765,471 9/1956Cousins... 24/201 [22] Filed May 26,1967 1 1 1,388,098 10/1921 Connor2/240 Continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 478,118, 1,510,325 9/1924 Landon128/535 Aug. 9, l965,now PatentNo. 1,833,163 11/1931 lchinger... 2/2393,331,372 I 2,103,446 12/1937 Boyle 128/535 [45] Patented 0ct.24, 19702,136,250 11/1938 Peck 128/535 2,505,242 4/1950 Herbener 128/535 4FOUNDATION GARMENTS Primary ExaminerAde1e M. Eager 12 Claims, 3S'DrawingFigs. Attorney-Lining and Siege! [52] U.S.Cl. 128/535, 2/240, 24/201,128/528 [51] 1nt.Cl. A4lc1/00 [50] FleldofSearch. 128/521,

24/73, 201 ABSTRACT: Foundation garments comprising fastener structurecomprising, in turn, cooperating male and female ele- [56] Rererencescued ments secured with the garment adjacent the lower marginal UNITEDSTATES PATENTS portion thereof adapted to be interengaged to supporthosiery, 1,427,561 8/1922 Starn 24/201.l orthe 1ike,re1ative to thegarment.

Patented Nov. 24, 1970 Sheet 4 of 5 FIG FIG-.30 F/G.3l

AMI z 267 Patented Nbv. 24, 1970 3,542,034

Sheeti of 5 IN VEN TOR. All/M ALE'l/V copending U.S.- Pat. applicationSer. No. 478,118'entitled FOUNDATION GARMENT and filed Aug. 9, 1965, nowUS. Pat. No. 3,33l,372 issued Julyl8, I967.

The present invention pertains, generally, to foundation garments and,more particularly, relates to foundation garments, such as girdles,panty-girdles, and the like, comprising fastener structure for removablyconnecting a plurality of articles, such as a pair ofhosiery, thereto.

- It is a primary object of the present invention to provide afoundation garment, such as a girdle, parity girdle, and the like, thatis constructed and arranged to present, fastener structure, such-ashosiery supporters or garters, for removable connecting a plurality ofarticles, for example, a pair of hosiery, thereto in such a manner as torender said fastener structure virtually inconspicuous or virtuallyinvisible when in use. I

Another primary object of this invention, in addition to the foregoingobject, is to provide a'foundation garment that is constructed andarrangedto present fastener structure that is constructed and arrangedto be capable of fabrication as an integral part of said foundationgarment, or as a separate element whichcan then be attached-to thefoundation garment in any suitable manner to render saidv fastenerstructure virtually inconspicuous or'invisible when in'use.

Ari additional primary object of this invention, in addition.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 5-5 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of another embodiment of fastener structureconstructed in accordance with principles of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a view similar-to FIG. 6, showing yet another embodiment offastener structure;

be visible at the. lower marginal portion of an outer garment,

enabling the presentation ofa foundation garmentthat will appeal to thefastidious woman, notwithstanding present style trends of short outergarments, and will not cause embarrassment by exposure of the fastenerstructure.

Yet another primary object of this invention, in addition to theforegoing objects, is to provide a foundation garment comprisingfastener structureat or adjacent the lower marginal portion of the.garment which is integral with the garment,

' rather than merely depending therefrom, as are conventional tion willbe apparent'froma study of the specification following taken with thedrawingsgwhich together show, illustrate, describe and disclose certainpreferred embodiments or modifications of the invention and what is nowconsidered to be the best mode of practicing the principles thereof.Other embodiments or modifications may be suggested to those having thebenefit of the teachings herein, and such other embodiments ormodifications are intended to be reserved especially as they fall withinthe scope and spirit ofthe subjoined claims.

IN THE DRAWING FIG. I is a perspective view ofa foundation garmentconstru'ctcd in accordance with the principles of the present invention,showing fastener structure of the invention as forming a part thereof;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged detailed viewof the fastener structure that formsan element-of the foundation garment illustrated in FIG. 1, taken fromthe outside thereof;

FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2, but taken from the inside of thefoundation garment shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 isa view similar to FIG. 2, illustrating the fastener structurein a closed or operative position, and the manner in which a stockingis'gripped or held thereby;

FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIGS. 6 and 7, showing a further embodimentof fastener structure;

FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIGS. 68, showing a still further embodimentof fastener structure;

FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 3, but illustrating a modification ofthe fastenerstructure illustrated therein;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 11-11 of FIG.10',

FIG. 12 is a view similar to FIG. 10 illustrating another modificationof fastener structure;

FIG. 13 is a view similar to FIGS. 10 and 12 illustrating yet anotherembodiment or modification of fastener structure;

FIG. 14 is a view similar to the preceding figures illustrating yetanother embodiment of fastener structure;

FIG. 15 is a view similar to preceding figures illustrating a stillfurther modification of fastener structure;

FIG. 16 is a view similar to preceding figures illustrating 7 anotherand still further modification offastener structure;

FIG. 17 is a view similar to the preceding figures, but illustrating astill further embodiment 'of fastener structure;

FIG. 18 is a view similar to the preceding figures, but illustrating ayet still further embodiment of the fastener structure;

FIG. 19 is a view similar to the preceding figures illustrating stillanother fastener structure;

FIG. 20 is another view of the fastener structure of FIG. 19, butshowing the fastener structure as it approaches the closed position;

FIG. 21 is a view similar to FIG. 19, but illustrating yet anotherembodiment or modification of fastener structure according to theprinciples of the present invention;

FIG. 22 is another view of the fastener structure of FIG. 21, butillustrating the fastener in the closed or engaged position thereof; a 1

FIG. 23 is'a view similar to the preceding figures, but illustrating'astill additional embodiment of fastener structure;

FIG. 24 is a view similar to FIG. 22, but illustrating a stilladditional embodiment or modification offastener structure;

- FIG. 25. is a view similar to FIG. 24, but illustrating another andyet still further embodiment or modification of fastener structure;

FIG. 26 is a view similar to the preceding figures, but illustrating aneven yet still further embodiment or modification of fastener structure;

FIG. 27 is a schematic view illustrating one step in a method offabricating fastener structures in accordance with the principles of thepresent invention;

FIG. 28 is a view similar to FIG. 27, but viewed from the opposite sidethereof;

, FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a foundation garment illustrating onestep in a method of fabrication thereof utilizing fastener structure inaccordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 30 is an enlarged detailed view of the fastener structure of FIGS.27 and 28 assembled with the garment of FIG. 29;

FIG. 31 is a view similar to FIG. 30, but viewed from the other side ofthe garment;

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of another fastener structure fabricatedin accordance wt with the principles of the present invention; 4

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of still another fastener structurefabricated in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional illustration, taken along line 34-34 ofFIG. 33; and

FIG. 35 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 32 of yet another fastenerstructure fabricated in accordance with the principles of thisinvention.

With particular reference now to the drawing, and particularly to FIG.1, there is shown and illustrated therein a foundation garmentconstructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention,and designated generally by the reference character 10. The garment 10is illustrated as being of a slip-on type for exemplary purposes only,it being understood that the present invention is equally applicable toother types of foundation garments, such as panty girdles, garter belts,and in general to any type of undergarment that is constructed andarranged to present the requisite characteristic ofsufficient strength.In addition, it will beunderstood that the foundation garment 10 can befabricated in any suitable manner, and of any suitable material orcombination of fabrics.

The foundation garment or girdle 10 comprises a plurality of fasteningassemblies 20 and 22, which may also be denoted as hosiery supporters orgarters. The fastening assemblies 20 and 22 are of identicalconstruction, it being necessary therefore to present a detaileddescription of only one. Accordingly, and with particular reference nowto FIGS. 2-5, the fastening assembly, hosiery supporter or garter 22will be seen to comprise an aperture 24 of keyhole-shaped configurationwhich is cut out of the material from which the garment 10 itself isfabricated. A keeper 26 of corresponding configuration extends about theperiphery of the aperture 24, and is affixed to the fabricof the garment10 in any suitable manner.

The keeper 26, in addition to performing a other functions, hereinafterto be described, performs the function of reinforcing the fabric of thegarment 10 at the periphery of the aperture 24, and may be fabricated ofany suitable material, such as metal or plastic. The keeper 26 itselfwill be seen to comprise a wide portion 28 and a narrow portion 30.

The keeper 26 may be a fixed to the garment 10 in any suitable manner.

The fastener assembly 22 or hosiery supporter or garter, furthercomprises a stud member 32 which, in the illustrated embodiment isfabricated of a separate piece of material of any suitable type, and isaffixed to the garment 10 on the inside surface thereof in any suitablemanner, as through the medium of stitching 35, so tha't'the stud member32 extends outwardly or downwardly therefrom. A stud head 34, which. maybe fabricated of'any suitable material, such as rubber or plastic, ismounted on the stud member 32 in any suitable manner.

In the use and operation of the foundation garment l and fastenerassemblies 20 and 22, all constructed in accordance with the principlesof the present invention, the welt or top margin portion 38 of astocking is positioned against the stud head 34 of the stud member 32.The stud member 32 is then moved relative to the garment to a locationat which the stud head 34, with .the stocking welt 38 folded orpositioned thereagainst can be inserted through the wide portion 28 ofthe keeper 26. Once inserted through the wide portion 30 of the keeper28, this combination of stocking welt 38 and stud head 34 is then drawnor moved into the narrow portion 30 of the keeper 26, that is, moved toan operative position of the fastener assembly. In this position, thestud head 34 will be frictionally engaged within the narrow portion 30of the keeper 26, thus gripping and securely holding and maintaining thestocking welt 38 and thus the stocking therein. At this point, it willbe understood that, while the garment 10 has been illustrated ascomprising a pair of fastener assemblies only at the front thereof, asimilar pair will be positioned at the rear thereof.

At this point, it is also to be understood that terminology such askeyhole-shaped configuration" is to be interpreted and construed inits'broadest possible sense, since this language is not in any wayintended to be limiting. Rather, this language is intended to mean onlythat an aperture is provided having a wide portion and a narrow portion,relative to the stud head, enabling a stud head to be inserted throughthe former, and firmly frictionally held, gripped and engaged in alatter portion. With respect to the manner in which the stud headcooperates with the narrow portion of the keeper,

reference is now had particularly to FIG. 5. As shown therein, the studhead 34'comprises a neck 40 that is particularly adapted to be disposedin frictional engagement with the keeper 26 in the narrow portion 30thereof. This neck or neck portion 40, in the embodiment shown in FIGS.l-5, as well as in the other embodiments hereinafter described,disclosed, shown and illustrated, except where specifically otherwisestated, is preferably ofgenerally cylindrical configuration.

With particular reference now to FIGS. 6-9, wherein like referencecharacters indicate like parts, but wherein the suffix A, B, C and D,respectively, are added, there are illustrated therein a certainfunctional modification of the fastener assemblies herein described.More particularly, it will be understood that the scope of the presentinvention is not to be limited to the conventional shape andconfiguration of the aperture 24 and the stud member 32. Thus, in FIG.6, the aperture 24A is generally of key-shaped configuration. with thewide portion 28A being substantially semicircular in form. The stud head34A is similarly of semicircular configuration. In FIG. 7, the aperture248 is of angular and curvilinear configuration, the stud head 348 beinggenerally of annular configuration. The narrow portion 308 is slightlytapered to insure a firm frictional relationship between the keeper (notshown in FIGS. 6-9) and the stud head 348. In FIG. 8, the aperture 24Cis again of angular configuration, but the narrow portion 30C is nottapered. In fact, the wide portion 28C and the narrow portion 30C can beof substantially the same shape and dimensions, since, in thisembodiment, the stud head 34C is of generally elliptical configuration.In the operation of this embodiment, the studhead 34C may be insertedthrough the portion 28C since its major axis extends in the samedirection as the long dimension of that portion, and will be firmlyfrictionally maintained in the portion 30C since its major axis isperpendicular to the long dimension of this portion. In FIG. 9, the studhead 34D is again of generally annular configuration, while the aperture24D is of generally teardrop shapedconfiguration, thus presenting thewide portion 28D and the narrow portion 30D.

As pointed out above, the keeper 26 is not shown in FIGS. 6-9. However,it will be understood that fastener assemblies constructed in accordancewith the principles of these figures will comprise such a keeperextending about the periphery of the aperture, and being ofcorresponding configuration, to line and reinforce the same.

In the embodiments or modifications of the fastener structurehereinabove shown and described the keeper member 26 extends through theaperture 24 in the body of the garment l0 and generally along theperiphery of the apertures 24.

With particular reference now to FIGS. 10-14, wherein like referencecharacters indicate like parts, but wherein the suffix-A, B, C and D,respectively, are added, there are illustrated therein certainfunctional and structural modifications of the fastener assemblieshereinabove described. More particularly, it will be understood that thescope of the present invention is not to be limited to the keepersextending through the fabric comprising the body of the garment 10.Thus, in FIG. 10, the fastener comprises a keeper member 42A securedwith the body of the garment 10, in generally overlying relationshipthereto in generally any desired manner, such as, by means of stitching44A. The keeper member 42A comprises a generally key-shaped aperture 46Aextending therethrough and a keeper element 48 A extending generallyperipherally about the aperture 46A, A flange 50A extends generallyradially outwardly of the keeper element 48A. The flange 50A may, forexample, be provided with a plurality of apertures 52A to enable thestitching 44A to secure the keeper member 42A relative to the garment10. A stud member 54A, substantially identical with the stud members 32,and in turn comprising a stud head 56A may be secured relative to thekeeper member 42A, in any convenient manner, and in substantially anydesired configuration relative thereto, as, for example, being secureddirectly to the garment 10, as by means of stitching 58A generallylongitudinally above the keeper member 42A. In FIG. 11, the flange 50Ais of generally uniformw'idth completely about the keeper.element 48A sothat the keepermember' 42A is, itself, substantially key-shaped inconfiguration. However, the flange portion 50A maybe of substantiallyanydesired-configuration,

' member 548 is secured with the keeper member 423, as by means ofstitching58B. The stud member 548 may beeither preassembled with thekeeper member'42B or, if desired, secured therewith after attachment ofthekeeper member 428 with the garment 1,0. In FIG. 13, the flange 50C isof generally diamond-shaped configuration, and, is' shown, for example,as being provided with at least onepair of spaced apart apertures 52C toenable securement of the keeper member 42C with the garment by means ofstitching 44C,"similarly to conventional button attachment. The studmember 540 is formed 'or fabricated integrally with the body fabric ofthe garment 10, and extends outwardly or downwardly therefrom. The studhead 56C,-'.which may be fabricated of 'any suitable material, such asrubber, plastic, or the like, is mounted on the stud member 54C in anysuitable manner. In FIG. 14, the aperture 46D is of generally angular orcurvilinear teardrop shaped configuration, as shown, the keeper element48D extending peripherally thereabout, with the flange portion 50Dextending generally uniformly outwardly therefrom to itself be definedby an angular, curvilinear teardrop shaped configuration. The flange 50Dofithekeepermember 42D may be secured with the body fabric of thegarment 10, for example,- a by means of stitching 44D extending at leastpartially about the flange portion 50D. The studmembe'r'54D which hassecured therewith the stud head 56D is secured with the body fabric'ofthe foundation garment 10 at a generally offset loca-.'

tion, as by means of stitching 58D,.or the like, as shown. It willbe'understood that FIGS; 10- I4 are exemplary only,-and, the scope ofthe present invention is not tobe deemed limited to the preciseconfigurations therein shown and illustrated. Moreover, the variousattachment. means hereinabov'e described, while described in relation toaparticular configuration keeper mem'berare each equally suitable foruse with substantially. any other keeper member configuration.Furthermore,th e variously configured keeper members may also besecured'with the body of the garment by substantially any other means,as by being'fused thereto, cemented thereto,

riveted thereto, or the like. Likewise,the variously configured,positioned and arranged stud members areeach equally suitable for usewith any ofthe variously configured keeper mem bers and may be secured,either to the keeper members to form a preassernbled fastener assemblyor be secured directly with the garment by substantially anyjdesiredattachment means, such as cement, fusing, riveting, stitching, molding,or the likc,'without regard tothe configuration and arrangement ofthekeeper members."

With particular'referencenow to FIGS. -120, wherein like referencecharacters indicate like parts, but wherein the suffix A, B, C, D and E,respectively, are added, there are illustrated therein a certainfunctional modification of the fastener assemblies hereinabov'edescribed. More particularly, the

, fastener assemblies may be fabricated to substantially convenposition,as by means of stitching, adhesive, or the like, in a conventionalmanner. The stud member 64A is provided, at the free end thereof with astud head 68A fabricated of rubber, plastic, or the like, ina'conventional manner, and secured to the stud member 64A, insubstantially any desired manner. The keeper member 62A comprises an endportion 70A which is disposed generally oppositely from the loop 66A ofthe stud member 64A and the endportion 70A may, for example, be providedwith an aperture 72A enabling the keeper member 62A to be fixablypositioned relative to the body fabric of a garment 10 by means ofstitching 74A extending through the stud member 64A adjacent one endportion of the keeper .member 62A and stitching 76A securing the endportion 70A to the-garment 10. In FIG. 16, the end portion 708 of thekeeper member 623 is provided with a plurality of apertures 72B enablinga plurality of stitches 768 to secure the end portion 703 of the keepermember'62B to the garment 10, as

' shown in solid lines. Stitching 768 may secure the end portion 70Btothe garment 10 in the-manner of a button. Stitching 74B secures the studmember 64B and the other end portion of the keeper member 628 to thegarment 10. In FIG. 17, the end portion 70C of the keeper member62C isprovided with a slot or notch 72C enabling the stitching 76C to securethe lower end portion of the keeper member 62B to the garment 10. Theupper end portionof the keeper member'62C and the stud member 64C issecured, as by means of stitching 74C, or the like, as hereinabovedescribed. In addition to the use of stitching, or the like, to securethe keeper members 62 with the garment 10, a clip or clasp typearrangement may also be utilized. More particularly, in FIG. 18, thelower end portion 70D of the keeper member62D is provided with anextension 72D'adapted to be wrapped around the lower peripheral edge vof the garment 10, and clipped or crimped thereto, as shown.

ln-FIGS. 19 and 20, the keeper member 62E is secured with the garment 10by means of a clip or clasp 76E extending about the lower end portion70E of the keeper member 62E. The stud head 68E of the stud member 64Emay be provided with a groove or slot 78 E to fit around the area of thekeeper member 62E which is fastened to the garment 10 by the clip orclaspv 76E. Similarly, loops of thread, stitching, or the like, may beutilized similarly to the clip or clasp 76E and the stud head 68Egrooved or relieved in a similar manner to provide clearance therefor.

- With reference now to FIGS. 21-23, wherein like reference charactersindicate like parts, but wherein the suffix A and B, respectively, areadded, there are illustrated therein a certain functional modificationof the fastener assemblies 'hereinabove described. More particularly, itwill be understood that not only the keeper member maybe fixedlypositioned relative to the garment, but likewise, the stud head may beso secured. Moreover, fastener assemblies adapted to have the stud headfixedly secured to the garment may be either preassembled or adapted tohave the keeper member and the stud head separately secured withthegarment. Thus,

in FIGS. 21 and 22 there is shown and illustrated a fastener assembly80A which comprises a keeper member 82A and a stud member 84A, the studmember 84A being adapted to be fixedly positioned relative to thegarment 10, in any desired manner, for example, by means of stitching,cement or other adhesive, fusing or other bonding, metal clips, clasps,prong fastenings,.or the like. The stud member 84A comprises a stud head86A fabricated of rubber, plastic, or the like. The stud member 84A maybe fabricated of a unitary structure including the stud head 86A, or maycomprise a plurality of component parts preassembled to define the studmember 84A. The keeper member 82A comprises a keeper element 87Afabricated, for example, of a metal, either formed wire, stamped, or thelike, or of a plastic, or other suitable material and a bodily flexiblemember such as a cloth strap 88A. The keeper member 82A is secured withthe fabric of the garment 10 in any. desired manner, for example, bymeans of stitching 90A, or the like, securing the strap 88A to thegarment 10. Accordingly, the garment 10 serves to retain the stud member84A and the keeper member 82A in proper position when disengaged and toprevent loss of either element, as seen in FIG. 21, which illustratesthe fastener assembly 80A in the disengaged position and FIG. 22 whichillustrates the fastener assembly 80A in the engaged or closed position.In FIG. 23, the strap 88B of the keeper member 828 which comprises thefastener assembly 808 extends a substantial distance from the keeperelement 87B and the stud head 86B is secured directly thereto. The strap88B is secured with the fabric of the garment in a plurality oflocations, for example, by means of stitching 90B spaced from the studhead 86B and stitching 92B adjacent the stud head 8613, The fastenerassembly 808, may, similarly to the previously described fastenerassemblies, be secured with the body of the garment 10 in substantiallyany other manner, for example, by means of a'cement or other adhesive,by fusing or bonding, by over edge or zigzag stitching, by means ofclasps or clips, or the like.

With particular reference now to FIGS. 24-26, wherein like referencecharacters'indicate like parts, but wherein the suffix A, B AND C,respectively, are-added, there are illustrated therein certainmodifications of keeper elements for use in the present invention. Moreparticularly, it will be understood that the scope of the presentinvention is not to be limited to the conventional shape andconfiguration of keeper elements, for example, as shown in FIGS. 21-23.Thus, in FIG. 24, there is shown and illustrated a keeper member 94Aprovided with a generally transversely extending bar 96A across the wideportion 98A of the'keeper element 94A to define an elongate aperture100A. The elongate aperture 100A is adapted to enable the engagementtherewithin of a strap or other bodily flexible member 102A, as shown inphantom. In FIG. 25, the keeper element 948 is provided with a generallystraight cross bar 968 which defines a peripheral portion of the keeperelement 94B, as shown, to enable the securement therewith of a strap orother bodily flexible member 102B. In FIG. 26, the cross bar 96C of thekeeper element 94C, rather than being straight as in the previousembodiments or modifications, is, instead, of generally curvilinearconfiguration. Moreover, the particular dimensions of the keeper member94A, 94B and 94C, and particularly the depth and configuration of thenarrowed portions thereof, also is subject to considerable variation, asshown;

Each of the embodiments or modifications of fastener assemblies andfoundation garments utilizingsuch fastener assemblies haveillustrated-the garment generally schematically as comprising a singlepiece or panel offabric. While the panel to which the fastener membersare applied may be of any desired size or shape, up to and including aunitary panel from which the entire garment is fabricated, it is to beunderstood that the present invention is not to be deemed limited tofastener members secured only with underlying garment panels ofextensive dimensional extent, but, rather, it is within the ambit'of thepresent invention to have the fastener members structurally associatedwith relatively small fabric like panels which may be overlaid upon mainstructural body panels of a garment, inserted within cutout portions ofsuch body panels, or, as generally indicated above, which themselvescomprise structural garment panels.

Accordingly, with particular reference now to FIGS. 27- -31, it will beseen that fastener assemblies constructed in accordance with theprinciples of this invention, and especially those which compriserelatively small underlying panels, are capable of being fabricated bygang manufacturing techniques, that is, in strips of substantialquantities. As an example, a strip of material 110 may be structurallyassociated with a series or plurality of eyelet members 112 extendingperipherally around a plurality or series of key-shaped apertures 114extending therethrough enabling the separation of the strip 110 alonggenerally alternately diagonal cutting lines 116 to provide a pluralityof fastener assemblies 118 of generally configuration. Ifdesired, andwith reference particularly to FIG. 28, stud members 120 provided withstud heads 122 may be preassembled withthe strip 110 positioned relativeto the apertures 114 and keeper elements 112.

The keeper element or eyelet members 112 may, for example, be securedwith the strip of material by encasing the keeper elements or eyeletmembers 112 in thermoplastic material 113 and fusing the thermoplasticmaterial 113 to the strip of material 110, the strip of material 110being preferably chosen to have a thermoplastic content as an aid infusing the material 113 thereto.

Similarly, the strip of material 110, for example, may comprise athermoplastic material and the eyelet elements 112 comprise metaleyelets, enabling the cutting lines 116 to be preliminarily weakened, asby perforations, or the like; if desired, to enable ready separation ofthe individual fastener assemblies 118. Moreover, if the strip 110comprises a thermoplastic material then the fastener assemblies 118 maybe fused into place onto a garment, especially if the garment isfabricated of a fabric comprising a thermoplastic fiber content. Suchfusing operation may, if desired, be coupled with an automatic severingof the fastener assemblies 118 from the strip 110 during the fusingoperation along the cutting lines 116, as is readily apparent.

Whether the strip 110 comprises a thermoplastic material or not, andwhether or not the fastener assemblies 118 are severed from the strip110 at the point of fastener assembly manufacture or where the fastenerassemblies are integrated into and assembled into a garment, the garment124, (see FIG. 29) may be provided with generally triangular recesses126 adjacent the lower margin thereof and the fastener assemblies 118structurally associated with the garment 124 in overlying relationshipto the recesses 126 to provide a gusset therefor, the assemblies 118being secured with the garment 124 by fusing, zigzag stitching, or thelike, (see FIGS. 30 and 31). The recesses 126 may be cut into thegarment 124 either before or after the fastener assembly 118 is securedin position.

In each of the embodiments or modifications hereinabove described, thefastener assembly is associated with a stocking, or the like, bypositioning the stocking between the stud head and the keeper and thenproviding relative movement between the stud head and keeper in a firstdirection, whereby the stud head and the large portion of the keeperwill be interengaged, with the stocking welt therebetween followed byrelative movement between the stud head and keeper in a seconddirection, transverse to the first direction whereby a sliding movementengages the stud head with the narrow portion of the keeper, grippingthe stocking welt therebetween. It will be understood that the scope ofthe present invention is not to be deemed limited to such conventionallyoperable fasteners but, rather, encompasses fasteners operable by othermodes, for example, and without limitation, fasteners operable byrelative movement in only a single direction, utilize relative rotativemovement or require or permit relative movement in more than twodirections. For example, and with particular reference now to FIGS.3235, wherein like reference characters indicate like parts, but whereinthe suffix A, B and C, respectively, are added, there are illustratedtherein certain additional functional modifications of fastenerassemblies requiring relative movement between the component parts inonly a single direction. Thus, in FIG. 32, there is shown andillustrated a fastener assembly 104A comprising a male member 106A and afemale member 108A movably interconnected by means of a flexible member110A. The fastener assembly 104A is adapted for use in either asubstantially conventional manner, for example, by securing the strapmember 110A to a foundation garment, or by securing one or the other ofthe male member 106A and the female member 108A to a foundation garment,as by means of stitching 111A.

The male member and female members 106A and 108A, respectively, may beof substantially any desired peripheral configuration, either regular orirregular, but are, preferably, of similar peripheral configurations,the male member 106A being adapted to fit within and engage with thefemale member 108A, which is provided with a recess 112A, therefor. Atleast one of the male member 106A and the female member 108A is providedwith locking or latching means, such as a ridge 114A extendingperipherally outwardly of the male member 106A or a groove 116A providedwithin the female member 108A generally peripherally outwardly of therecess 112A thereof. Either one or both of the male and female membersmay be so provided with such locking means,

and the recess 112A may comprise eithera bottom recess, as

shown, or may comprise'a through aperture. Moreover, the

t latching means may extend entirely or substantially entirely sembly104B comprises the male-member 1068 .and female member 108B, tlierecessl'12Bofthe female member 1083 having a differing configuration from theoverall configuration of the female member 1088. At least one of themale and female members 1068' and 10.88 are provided with a ridge 1148or groove 116B,.respectively.

In FIG. 35, the fastener assembly 104C comprises an annular femalemember 108C having an aperture 112C extending entirely therethrough; a'disklike male member 106C and a strap lIOC extendingtherebetween. Inthis embodiment the annular femalemember 108C is provided with a bead116C extending generally radially inwardly of the aperture 112C and themale member 106C is provided with a mating groove 114C. The male member106C is provided with a plurality of apertures 109C enabling thesecurem'ent of the assembly 104C to a garment, as by'means of stitching111C.

In the use and operation of the fastener assemblies 104, constructed inaccordance with the principles of the present invention, the weltor topmarginal portion 118 ofa stocking is positioned between the male member106 and the female 'member l 8, as shown inphantom lines in FIG.:34 andthe maleand female members m'oved relative to one. another to thesolid'line posit ion to frictionally engage the welt or top marginalportion 118 between the male member andassociated ridge ll4'and thefemale member l08and associated groove 116, thus gripping and securelyholding and maintaining the stocking we'lt 118 and thus the stockingtherein. It will be understood, that while the ridge 114 is shown anddescribed as being associated with the male member 106 and the groove116 is shown and described as being associated with the female member108,;the relative relationship thereof may be reversed, that is, thegroove being associated with the male member and the ridge beingassociated with the female member.

It has hereinbefore been pointed out that foundation garments andfastener assemblies constructed in accordance with the principles ofthis invention are constructed and arranged to have either the keeperelement or the studelement fixedly positioned relative to the garmentThus, in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 -5, the keeper element is fixedlyassociated with the garment by being passed through an aperture providedtherein, so that, in fact, the garment panel itself forms anintegralpart or element ofthe fastener assembly. In the embodiment ofFIGS. 10- 14, the keeper element is formed or fabricated relative to orfixedly associated with an outwardly extending flange which, in turn, isadapted to be fixedly associated with the garment panel, so that, again,the keeper element is fixedly positioned relative to the garment and thegarment itself forms an integral part or element of the fastenerstructure, at least, where the stud member is secured directly to thegarment, rather than to the flange. Similarly, in FIGS. 15-20, thekeeper element is secured a't/or adjacent a plurality of portionsthereof to the garment panel to retain the keeper element positionedrelative to the garment. Similarly,

the stud member of this embodiment may be structurally associateddirectly with the keeper element or directly with the garment panel, or,as-s hown, directly-with both the keeper element and the garment panel.Again, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 27-41, the keeper element isfixedly disposed or positioned relative to the foundation garment bybeing structurally associated with the strip of material which is sewnor otherwise secured with the garment, either within a recess or inoverlying relationship thereto. Alternatively, and as shown in FIGS.27.33, the stud member may be fixedly positioned relative to thefoundation garment, and as shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 6-9, 24-26,and 3235 the studs and keepers, or male and female members, may be ofdiverse configuration, either for use with one of the members beingfixedly positioned relative to the garment, or, for use in a generallyconventional manner, that is, by depending from a single attachmentlocation on the garment.

Hence, the fastener assemblies constructed in accordance with theprinciples ofthe present invention may be completely separatelyfabricated,.and then attached or affixed to the foundation garment in asuitable manner, as by stitching, or maybe fabricated as separateelements or components and separately affixed or attached to thefoundation garment in a suitable 'manner and suitably positionedrelative to one another. Irrespective of whether the fastener assembliesare completely separately fabricated of the foundation garment,

or at least a portion thereof is fabricated integrally therewith, atleast a portion of the foundation garment preferably overlaps a portionof the welt of the stockings or hosiery to be removably supportedthereby. Accordingly, the present invention enables the elasticity ordistensibility of the foundation garment and of the hosiery to providethe necessary give or stretch" therebetween as the wearer assumesdifferent attitudes and positions. Such construction, configuration,arrangement and disposition is in direct and novel contradistinction toconventional foundation garments and hosiery supporters, wherein aseparate connecting strip of elastic material is relied upon. Ashereinbefore pointed out, however, the novel keepers and studs, or maleand female members of the present invention, are capable 'ofutilization-with such conventional In accordance with the aboveprinciples, it has been found that there is a substantial reduction inriding, bunching", or wrinkling the hosiery or stockings upon the legsof the wearer. In addition, it has been found that this construction andarrangement substantially reduces riding or bunching of the foundationgarment upon the wearers torso particularly in the area known as thethighs. Still further, it has been found that this construction andarrangement of foundation garments and the fastener assembly results ina downward force or pull by the stockings or hosiery, and an upwardforce or pull by the foundation garment, of sufficient magnitude to urgethe fastener assemblies towards the legs of the wearers body, and intothe flaccid tissues of the thighs at that location.

these features combine to substantially reduce, if not completelyeliminate, the ever present unsightly bulge visithat fastener assembliesof the present invention are virtually invisible, that is inconspicuousduring use.

Moreover, fastener assemblies and foundation garments constructed inaccordance with the principles of the present invention are, in additionto being aesthetically appealing and more comfortable than conventionalgarments, susceptible to relatively inexpensive, efficient, and simplemanufacture. The various embodiments or modifications of fastenerassemblies and foundation garments constructed in accordance with theprinciples of the present invention and herein described, disclosed,illustrated and shown, are, generally, suitable to be arranged with thefastener assemblies being disposed either interiorly or exteriorly ofthe foundation garment. However, the embodiments of the presentinvention wherein the keeper element is fixedly positioned or disposedrelative to the foundation garment are somewhat superior, especially inthat the use thereof is easier, if the stud member is disposed generallyinteriorly of the garment. In contradistinction, the embodiments ofthepresent invention wherein the stud is fixedly disposed or positionedrelative to the foundation garment are found to be superior, especiallyin that use thereof is simpler and easier, where the fastener projectsgenerally exteriorly of the foundation garment. Furthermore, sucharrangements are found to be more comfortable to the wearer, since inboth instances, the stud extends generally outwardly of the wearersbody, rather than projecting inwardly theretowards.

While the invention has been described, disclosed, illustrated and shownin terms of certain preferred embodiments or modifications which it hasassumed in practice, the scope of the invention should not be deemed tobe limited by the precise embodiments or modifications herein described,disclosed, illustrated or shown, such other embodiments or modificationsas may be suggested to those having the benefit of the teachings hereinbeing intended to be reserved especially as they fall within the scopeand spirit of the claims hereto appended.

I claim:

l. A foundation garment, having a lower edge and a lower portion,comprising, in combination, at least one fastener assembly beingprovided with a stud and a keeper connected with a portion of saidfoundation garment at least one of said stud and keeper being directly,fixedly, and positionally secured to said foundation garment above saidlower edge, said stud and keeper fastening hosiery above said lower edgewith said hosiery partially overlapping said lower portion.

2. A foundation garment as set forth in claim 1 wherein said keeper isdirectly fastened to said foundation garment and said stud is secured tosaid keeper. 3 A foundation garment as set forth in claim 2 wherein saidstud is provided with a studhead and a stud member, said keeper beingdirectly fastened to the foundation garment and said stud member beingdirectly secured to said keeper.

4. A foundation garment as set forth in claim 3 wherein said stud memberis directly secured to said keeper by looping a portion of said studmember around the portion of said keeper.

5. A foundation garment as set forth in claim 4 wherein said loopingportion of said stud member is directly fastened to said foundationgarment.

6. A foundation garment as set forth in claim 1 wherein the shapeof saidstud corresponds to the shape ofsaid keeper.

7. A foundation garment as set forth in claim 6 wherein said keeper andstud are generally ofa curvilinear configuration.

8. A foundation garment as set forth in claim 6 wherein said keeper andstud are generally of an irregular configuration.

9. A foundation garment as set forth in claim 8 wherein said keeper isprovided with four grooves and said stud is provided with fourcomplementary ridges.

10. A foundation garment as set forth in claim 6 wherein one of saidstud and keeper is a male member and the other one of said stud andkeeper is a female member. I

11. A foundation garment as set forth in claim 10 wherein one of saidstud and keeper is provided with an annular protruding ridge with theother of said stud and keeper being provided with a complementaryannular groove whereby a snap-type fastener is formed between said studand keeper.

12. A foundation garment as set forth in claim 7 wherein said keeper isdirectly fastened to said foundation garment and said stud is directlysecured to said keeper.

